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Weekend snowstorm could bring ‘considerable disruption’ to NYC, NJ, officials warn

By

Brittany Kriegstein

and

Andrew Giambrone

Published Jan 22, 2026

Modified Jan 22, 2026

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francois-roux via Getty Images

By

Brittany Kriegstein

and

Andrew Giambrone

Published Jan 22, 2026

Modified Jan 22, 2026

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Meteorologists and New York City officials have two words for residents about this weekend’s impending winter storm: Be prepared.

While the forecast remains in flux, authorities are warning New Yorkers to brace for up to a foot of snow into Monday and a potentially record-breaking stretch of extreme cold through Wednesday.

Here’s what you need to know about the weather.

Current forecast

The storm could begin as soon as late Saturday and deliver “considerable disruption to transportation and daily life,” according to the National Weather Service.

The heaviest snow is predicted on Sunday, but it could affect Monday's commute. NWS says there’s currently about a 90% chance of more than 6 inches falling in the area and about a 70% chance of around a foot falling.

How to stay informed through the storm

• News updates and alerts: Tune in to WNYC 93.9 FM and AM 820, use the WNYC app and check back on Gothamist for regular updates.
• Weather updates: Check forecasts, current conditions and hazard alerts from the National Weather Service in New York and New Jersey.
• Emergency updates: In New York City, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 for citywide emergency updates in English; NOTIFYNYCESP for Spanish; or NOTIFYNYCFRE for French. Alerts are also available on the NotifyNYC app.
• Department of Sanitation: See snow alerts and advisories about salt spreading, service changes and operations updates. Reminder: Property owners can face fines if they don’t clear their own sidewalks. The department is also looking to hire emergency snow shovelers.
• Social updates — NYC: NYC Emergency Management also posts updates on X. You might want to keep an eye on feeds from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
• Social Updates — NJ: New Jersey posts updates on its ReadyNJ feed. You may want to watch out for alerts from the NJ State Police and Gov. Mikie Sherrill as well.
• Transit services: Keep tabs on alerts from the MTA, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, NJ Transit and Amtrak.
• Road conditions: Traffic maps are at 511NY.org and 511NJ.org.
• Flight delays and cancellations: Check with your airline and sign up for travel alerts.
• Power outages — NY: Power companies throughout the region maintain power maps. Check Con Edison for New York City and Westchester, PSEG in Long Island, Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp. in the Mid-Hudson Valley, and Orange and Rockland Utilities.
• Power outages — NJ: Maps are available from JCP&L, PSE&G and Atlantic City Electric.
• School closings, delays, remote learning: See updates from New York City Public Schools or check on the alerts used by your school district.
• Warming centers: Information on NYC homeless drop-in centers is here. Information on NJ warming centers is here.
• Flooding: When snow melts, waters may swell. Monitor the National Weather Service’s flooding observations and forecasts.
• Be prepared! See the city’s winter guide to staying safe in the cold and planning for winter weather.
• Call the city: To report issues or be directed to the right place for general city information, call 311.

If a foot of snow accumulates in Central Park, it would be the first time that's happened since January 2021, when a storm dropped more than 17 inches in the park, according to the National Weather Service. It would also be the most snow to pile up in a single storm so far this winter, meteorologists say.

Temperatures on Saturday and Sunday are expected to be frigid, with Saturday’s highs only around 19 degrees. Sunday should be slightly warmer, with highs around 23 degrees, the forecast shows.

NYC officials urge precautions

The city’s emergency management agency is advising New Yorkers to plan ahead and make contingency arrangements for pets, children, family members and neighbors with health issues or disabilities who might need care.

Officials are also encouraging residents to contact 311 about any people who may be homeless and vulnerable to the freezing weather, so that outreach teams can connect them to shelter.

Residents with space heaters should keep them at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, according to city officials. FDNY guidelines say space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, without extension cords or power strips, and should be turned off or unplugged when unattended.

The city’s Department of Buildings is asking property owners and construction companies to make sure their sites are adequately prepped for the weather to prevent slips and falls.

For those looking to help with snow removal efforts and make some extra cash, the city’s sanitation department is putting out a call for emergency snow shovelers.

Tagged

education

new jersey

new york city

new york state

public safety

snow

transportation

utilities

weather

winter storm

Brittany Kriegstein

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Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].

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Andrew Giambrone

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